Colour Yellow Productions
Colour Yellow Productions is an Indian motion picture production company founded in 2013 by acclaimed filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, dedicated to creating wholesome, content-driven entertainment that emphasizes meaningful, timeless, and relatable stories without succumbing to commercial pressures.[1][2] Established with a philosophy rooted in storytelling that evokes sunshine, hope, and happiness, the company has produced a diverse portfolio of films spanning genres from romantic comedies and dramas to thrillers and social satires.[3] Notable releases include the romantic drama Raanjhanaa (2013), the critically acclaimed horror-fantasy Tumbbad (2018), and the satirical drama Newton (2017), which was selected as India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards.[4][1] In addition to theatrical successes, Colour Yellow Productions has ventured into original OTT content with the mystery thriller Haseen Dillruba (2021) on Netflix, followed by its sequel Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba (2024).[1] Other key productions include the family entertainer Rakshabandhan (2022) starring Akshay Kumar, the action-comedy An Action Hero (2022), and the musical drama Atrangi Re (2021) featuring Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush.[4] The company continues to expand its slate with both Hindi and regional collaborations, such as the Marathi film Jhimma 2 (2023) and the upcoming Tere Ishk Mein (2025), reinforcing its commitment to innovative and audience-engaging cinema. Recent announcements include collaborations for films like Tu Yaa Main (2025) and others, further expanding its slate as of 2025.[4][5]Company Overview
Founding and Establishment
Colour Yellow Productions was founded in 2011 by filmmaker Aanand L. Rai shortly after the release of his directorial debut Tanu Weds Manu, which he helmed under the banner of Eros International Media.[6] The company was officially registered as a private limited entity, Colour Yellow Productions Private Limited, on September 12, 2013, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. With an authorized capital of ₹100,000, the setup reflected Rai's intent to establish a lean operational base focused on creative autonomy.[7] Rai's background in directing content-driven romantic comedies, including his transition from television production to feature films, motivated the creation of Colour Yellow Productions to prioritize independent storytelling without compromising artistic vision for commercial pressures.[8] Prior works like Tanu Weds Manu had showcased his ability to blend humor and relatable narratives, but operating under external banners limited his control, prompting him to launch his own house to back emerging talent and heartland stories.[9] The company's initial office was established in Mumbai to facilitate proximity to the Indian film industry hub. From its inception, Colour Yellow Productions formed early partnerships with established co-producers such as Eros International to support debut projects, enabling access to distribution networks while maintaining creative oversight. Writer Himanshu Sharma contributed significantly to early script development, collaborating closely with Rai on narrative foundations.[1] This foundational structure positioned the company as a platform for innovative, content-focused productions in Hindi cinema.Key Personnel and Operations
Colour Yellow Productions is led by filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, who serves as the founder, director, and creative head, overseeing the company's artistic direction and project selections.[1] Founded in 2011 and formally registered in 2013, Rai's vision emphasizes content-driven storytelling, drawing from his experience with acclaimed films like Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa.[1] Himanshu Sharma functions as a frequent screenwriter and creative consultant, collaborating closely with Rai on multiple productions to shape narratives that blend emotional depth with commercial appeal.[10] Other key figures include producers such as Krishan Kumar, who facilitates collaborations with T-Series, bringing music and distribution expertise to joint ventures.[11] The company maintains in-house talent scouting to identify and nurture emerging directors, fostering a pipeline of innovative voices in Indian cinema.[1] Operationally, Colour Yellow Productions is headquartered in Mumbai's Andheri West, serving as the hub for development, production, and post-production activities.[12] The company adopts a slate-based approach, developing multiple films simultaneously to balance risk and creative output, with a focus on 3–5 projects annually that prioritize mid-budget, content-driven stories.[5] Its portfolio centers on Hindi cinema while extending to regional languages like Marathi, exemplified by ventures into heartfelt, culturally resonant narratives.[13] Business-wise, Colour Yellow collaborates with major studios including T-Series for co-productions and music integration, Zee Studios for distribution and marketing support, and Bhanushali Studios for expanded slates of genre-diverse films.[14][11][5] Post-2020, the company has diversified revenue streams by shifting toward OTT platforms, starting with the direct-to-streaming release of Haseen Dillruba on Netflix, enabling broader accessibility and global reach for its titles.[1]Historical Development
Early Years and Debut Productions (2013–2015)
Colour Yellow Productions was founded in 2013 by filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, following his directorial debut Tanu Weds Manu (2011), a romantic comedy produced under other banners such as Paramhans Creations and Soundrya Production. The company entered the Bollywood landscape with its debut production, Raanjhanaa (2013), a romantic drama directed by Rai that delved into themes of unrequited love and youthful obsession in the backdrop of small-town India. The film marked the Hindi cinema debut of South Indian actor Dhanush, whose intense portrayal of a persistent lover alongside Sonam Kapoor earned critical acclaim and introduced fresh talent to Bollywood. With a budget of around ₹28 crore, Raanjhanaa achieved solid box office performance, collecting over ₹54 crore in its first week worldwide, further solidifying Colour Yellow's reputation for nurturing innovative narratives amid the industry's star-driven focus.[15][16] During this formative period, Colour Yellow navigated significant challenges typical of emerging production houses in Bollywood, including limited budgets that constrained marketing and production scales compared to larger studios like Yash Raj Films or Dharma Productions. The company relied heavily on partnerships with established distributors such as Eros International for wider reach, as seen in the theatrical releases of its early films, to overcome the competitive landscape dominated by high-profile blockbusters. These hurdles underscored the difficulties of building a sustainable portfolio in an industry where small-to-mid-budget films often struggled for visibility and returns.[17][18][19] A pivotal moment came in 2015 with the release of Tanu Weds Manu Returns, the sequel to Rai's 2011 hit, which he directed and Colour Yellow co-produced with Eros International. Featuring Kangana Ranaut in dual roles and R. Madhavan reprising his part, the film amplified the original's comedic elements while addressing themes of self-discovery and second chances, becoming a massive blockbuster with a worldwide gross exceeding ₹255 crore on a budget of ₹40 crore. This triumph not only validated the company's franchise-building potential but also highlighted its ability to leverage sequels for amplified impact in a market favoring established IPs.[20][21][22]Growth Phase and Diversification (2016–present)
Following the momentum from its early romantic comedies, Colour Yellow Productions entered a phase of rapid expansion starting in 2016, marked by milestone releases that broadened its portfolio beyond light-hearted fare. The company ventured into social dramas with Nil Battey Sannata (2016), a heartfelt story of maternal ambition and education, directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, which highlighted everyday struggles and resonated with audiences for its grounded narrative.[23] Simultaneously, Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016), a cross-border romantic comedy directed by Mudassar Aziz, introduced whimsical humor and international elements, achieving commercial success with a worldwide gross exceeding ₹40 crore. This film spawned a franchise, including the sequel Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi (2018), which shifted the action to China and maintained the series' playful tone while expanding its comedic scope.[24] Diversification accelerated through genre experimentation and platform adaptation. In 2018, the production house entered the horror-fantasy realm with Tumbbad, directed by Rahi Anil Barve, a visually striking period tale blending Indian folklore, greed, and supernatural dread that garnered critical acclaim and cult status, later inspiring a sequel announcement.[25] The shift to over-the-top (OTT) platforms became prominent amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with films like Haseen Dillruba (2021), a Netflix thriller starring Taapsee Pannu, and its sequel Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba (2024), followed by Atrangi Re (2021), a Disney+ Hotstar musical drama, pivoting to digital releases to reach global audiences during theater closures. This strategy continued with Good Luck Jerry (2022), a black comedy remake on Disney+ Hotstar featuring Janhvi Kapoor in a survival role, further solidifying OTT as a key distribution channel. Regional expansion included Marathi cinema with Jhimma 2 (2023), a family drama emphasizing intergenerational bonds, which appealed to non-Hindi speaking markets.[26] Strategic collaborations and post-pandemic adaptations underscored the company's resilience and forward-thinking approach. By 2023–2025, Colour Yellow partnered with Bhanushali Studios Limited on a multi-film slate, beginning with high-concept projects like Tu Yaa Main (announced 2025), aimed at innovative storytelling and broader market penetration.[5] The return to theatrical releases post-COVID included An Action Hero (2022), an action-thriller starring Ayushmann Khurrana that contributed to the industry's gradual box office rebound amid recovering attendance. In 2025, the company faced a notable controversy involving a dispute with distributor Eros International over an AI-generated alternate ending for a re-release of Raanjhanaa, which drew criticism from Rai and star Dhanush for altering the original artistic vision and raising concerns about AI in filmmaking.[27] Throughout this period, the production house emphasized women-led narratives, evident in titles like Nil Battey Sannata, Haseen Dillruba, and Good Luck Jerry, which centered female protagonists in empowering roles, alongside a push for pan-India appeal through diverse genres and languages. By 2025, Colour Yellow had produced over 20 films, reflecting its evolution into a versatile banner focused on content-driven, audience-resonant cinema.[4][13]Productions
Released Films
Colour Yellow Productions has released approximately 24 films by November 2025, showcasing a broad spectrum of genres including romance, drama, horror-fantasy, action, comedy, thriller, musical drama, biopic, and family-oriented stories, often in collaboration with major studios like T-Series and OTT platforms. These productions have demonstrated significant commercial and cultural impact, with blockbusters like Tanu Weds Manu Returns grossing over ₹250 crore worldwide and contributing to the company's reputation for nurturing fresh talent and diverse narratives.[13] The company's filmography is presented chronologically below, with key details on direction, cast, genre, release platform, and production notes where applicable.| Year | Title | Director | Lead Cast | Genre | Platform | Production Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Tanu Weds Manu | Aanand L. Rai | R. Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut | Romantic comedy | Theatrical | Debut production co-presented by UTV Motion Pictures; focused on arranged marriage tropes with a budget estimated at ₹20 crore.[28] |
| 2013 | Raanjhanaa | Aanand L. Rai | Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol | Drama | Theatrical | Co-produced with Eros International; explored unrequited love in small-town India, marking Dhanush's Hindi debut.[29] |
| 2015 | Tanu Weds Manu Returns | Aanand L. Rai | Kangana Ranaut, R. Madhavan, Deepak Dobriyal | Romantic comedy (sequel) | Theatrical | Sequel co-produced with Eros International and T-Series; became a blockbuster with dual-lead roles for Ranaut, grossing over ₹250 crore worldwide.[30] |
| 2016 | Nil Battey Sannata | Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari | Swara Bhasker, Ratna Pathak Shah, Farooq Saleem | Social drama | Theatrical | Co-produced with AYM Constructions; addressed class divides and education through a mother's aspirations for her daughter. |
| 2016 | Happy Bhag Jayegi | Mudassar Aziz | Diana Penty, Abhay Deol, Jimmy Shergill | Comedy | Theatrical | Co-produced with Eros International; a light-hearted cross-border romantic mix-up that spawned a franchise. |
| 2017 | Mukkabaaz | Anurag Kashyap | Vineet Kumar Singh, Zoya Hussain, Jimmy Shergill | Sports drama | Theatrical | Co-produced with Karma Pictures; focused on a boxer's struggle against caste discrimination.[31] |
| 2017 | Shubh Mangal Saavdhan | R.S. Prasanna | Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar | Romantic comedy | Theatrical | Co-produced with Eros International; a remake of Tamil film Kalyana Samayal Saadham, dealing with erectile dysfunction humorously.[4] |
| 2017 | Newton | Amit V. Masurkar | Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil | Political satire | Theatrical | Co-produced with Drishyam Films; selected as India's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards.[4] |
| 2018 | Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi | Mudassar Aziz | Sonakshi Sinha, Diana Penty, Ali Fazal | Comedy (sequel) | Theatrical | Sequel co-produced with Eros International; expanded the comedic premise to Pakistan and China. |
| 2018 | Manmarziyaan | Anurag Kashyap | Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal | Romantic drama | Theatrical | Co-produced with Phantom Films; explored love triangles and infidelity.[4] |
| 2018 | Tumbbad | Rahi Anil Barve | Sohum Shah, Jyoti Malshe | Horror-fantasy | Theatrical | Co-produced with Ami Shah and Village Rockstudios; a critically acclaimed folklore-inspired tale of greed, re-released in 2024 for renewed success. |
| 2018 | Meri Nimmo | Vinod Paliwal | Anjali Patil, Karan Dave | Drama | Theatrical | Co-produced with Abundantia Entertainment; a poignant story of a woman's unfulfilled dreams.[4] |
| 2018 | Zero | Aanand L. Rai | Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif | Sci-fi romance | Theatrical | High-budget co-production with Red Chillies Entertainment and T-Series (₹200 crore budget); centered on a little-statured man's romantic journey. |
| 2019 | Laal Kaptaan | Shivam Nair | Saif Ali Khan, Manav Vij | Action thriller | Theatrical | Co-produced with T-Series and Balaji Telefilms; a period revenge saga set in colonial India.[32] |
| 2020 | Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan | Hitesh Kewalya | Ayushmann Khurrana, Jitendra Kumar | Romantic comedy | Theatrical | Sequel co-produced with Eros International and Nadiadwala Grandson; addressed same-sex relationships.[4] |
| 2021 | Haseen Dillruba | Vinil Mathew | Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, Harshvardhan Rane | Thriller | OTT (Netflix) | Co-produced with T-Series and Film Karavan; a suspenseful tale of a femme fatale, adapted from a novel. |
| 2021 | Atrangi Re | Aanand L. Rai | Sara Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Dhanush | Musical drama | OTT (Disney+ Hotstar) | Co-produced with T-Series and Cape of Good Films; blended fantasy and family drama with musical elements. |
| 2022 | Good Luck Jerry | Shashank Khaitan | Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra | Comedy | OTT (Disney+ Hotstar) | Co-produced with Jio Studios and Balaji Telefilms; a remake of a Punjabi film, focusing on a woman's survival in crime. |
| 2022 | Rakshabandhan | Aanand L. Rai | Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar | Family drama | Theatrical | Co-produced with T-Series and Mahaveer Jain Films; centered on sibling bonds and arranged marriage.[4] |
| 2022 | An Action Hero | Anirudh Iyer | Ayushmann Khurrana, Jaideep Ahlawat | Action thriller | Theatrical | Co-produced with T-Series; a meta-action film about a star on the run, praised for its stunt work. |
| 2023 | Jhimma 2 | Hemant Dhome | Kshitee Jog, Nirrmite Sawant, Suhas Joshi | Family drama | Theatrical | Marathi sequel co-produced with Jio Studios and Chalchitra Mandalee; explored intergenerational bonds during a trip to London.[33][26] |
| 2023 | Aatmapamphlet | Ashish Avinash Bende | Arnav Shrivastava, Paresh Mokashi | Coming-of-age drama | Theatrical | Marathi debut co-produced with T-Series and Zee Studios; a satirical biopic reflecting 1990s socio-political changes through a schoolboy's lens.[34] |
| 2024 | Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba | Jayprad Desai | Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey | Thriller (sequel) | OTT (Netflix) | Sequel co-produced with T-Series and Film Karavan; continued the mystery with added twists and new characters. |
| 2025 | Nakhrewaalii | Rahul Shanklya | Pragati Srivastava, Ansh Duggal | Comedy-drama | Theatrical | Co-produced with Jio Studios; a women-led story focusing on urban youth issues, relationships, and self-discovery.[35][36] |